State of Knowledge and Phytochemical Analysis of Chilli Fruits (Capsicum annuum l.), "Ahalimancou" Type Consumed in the Indénié-Juablin Region (East of Côte D'ivoire)

The ethnobotanical study carried out on the fruits of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), type "Ahalimancou" in the localities of Aniassué, Affalikro, Sankadiokro and the town of Abengourou located in the east of the Côte d’Ivoire had for main objective to assess the levels of knowledge, the mode of use of this pepper by the local populations, as well as the phytochemical analysis of said chilli. Discussion groups and semi-structured individual interviews were carried out in 4 localities to collect information from 650 inhabitants, including 511 women and 139 men. The results showed that the variables gender, age group, ethnicity and level of education significantly influence (p≤0.05) the levels of knowledge and the mode of use, except the independence between the locality, the level of knowledge and mode of use. In addition, women know more about this type of pepper (80.82%) and use it much more in food (99.41%), as well as in the treatment of diseases (95.69%). People aged 60 and over have higher use levels (81.30%) in therapeutic use. The study also revealed that the Agni ethnic group is distinguished from other ethnic groups (Baoulé, Malinké, Attié) by a greater level of knowledge and use in pathology. Depending on the level of education, it appears that people without education know better (71.63%) and use this type of pepper more in the treatment of pathologies (85.39%). In addition, the study showed that the fresh form remains the only form used. With the exception of quinones, phytochemical analysis revealed that this type of pepper contains several pharmacological components depending on the stages of ripeness. Orange and red fruits had a higher content of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids. The green and yellow fruits were highly rich in sterols and polyterpenes. Catechetical tannins were only present in green fruits. The data from our study could strengthen clinical research on the nutritional and pharmacological properties of this type of “Ahalimancou” chilli.

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties to Blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilizer Rate at Kokate, Southern Region

Low production and productivity of potato in Ethiopia is associated with poor soil fertility and limitation of high yielding crop variety. Matching high yielding cultivar with optimum fertilization of balanced nutrients is of paramount important to boost tuber yield of potato. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2019/20 cropping season at Kokate testing site of Areka Agricultural Research Center in southern Ethiopia in order to evaluate the response of potato varieties to NPS fertilizer rates. Treatments used in the study were two improved varieties of potato (Gudane and Belete) one local cultivar with six rates of blended NPS (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg/ha NPS) combined in factorial and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. As this investigation indicated that at all rates of NPS fertilizer, improved varieties out yielded the local cultivar Asmara with relative superiority of variety Belete for marketable tuber yield. Economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit of 276326 Birr/ha with marginal rate of return (MRR) 3762% was obtained from variety Belete at NPS fertilizer rate of 200 kg/ha followed by variety Gudane at the same fertilizer rate with net benefit of 270350 Birr/ha and MRR of 3372%. Based on this finding, varieties Belete and Gudane could be used for production at NPS fertilizer rate of 200 kg/ha near study area and similar agro-ecologies.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Correlation Studies in Fifty Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Accessions Collected from Southern Nigeria

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important food crop in southern Nigeria with high genetic variability. However, this variability is not characterized. Fifty sorghum accessions collected from different states in southern Nigeria were evaluated for eleven agronomic characters to determine the extent of genetic variability and character association among the accessions. The experiments were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Ondo State and Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu research farm during the rainy season of 2018 and 2019. Data were collected on eleven quantitative traits for genetic variability and character association. Panicle weight had the highest GCV (24.96%) and PCV (30.61%). Ten out of the eleven traits have heritability estimates above 50% which implies an opportunity for improvement among the traits with the number of days to 50% heading having the highest (98.84%). Correlation analysis showed significant and positive association among growth, flowering traits and head traits. The strong positive correlation coefficients of plant height with all the traits implies that simultaneous selection for these traits is possible for improvement in sorghum genotypes for fodder and grain traits.

Evaluation of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) Genotypes for Growth and Yield Attributes in Plains of Eastern Nepal

An experiment was conducted in order to identify the productive genotype of turmeric for the plains of Nepal. In 2017 and 2018, seven promising turmeric genotypes (CI 0207, CI 0205, CI 9102, CI 1312, CI 0503, CI 0507, and CI 0201) were compared with KKH-1 in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Tarahara, Nepal. The plants were 30 cm x 30 cm apart, with 40 plants per 3.6 m2 plot area. Cultural practices were followed in accordance with the recommendations. Analysis of variance, correlation, cluster, and GGEbiplot analysis were performed on the observed data. From the pooled analysis of two years of data, the results showed significant differences in plant height and fresh rhizome yield among genotypes. The rhizome yield of KKH-1 was found significantly higher (19.36 t ha-1) than CI 0205 and CI 9102 and at par with other genotypes. Weight of mother rhizome had significant positive correlation (r = 0.602**) with yield of fresh rhizome. Though KKH-1 yielded the highest fresh rhizome, the cluster and GGEbiplot analysis identified CI0207 as one of the potential turmeric clones next to KKH-1.

Preparation and Quality Evaluation of Iron Binding Protein Augumented Dhokla Using Spirulina and Other Natural Ingredients

Spirulina is a nature’s present as extremely good meals to mankind. It is a photosynthetic filamentous microalga which has emerged as a amazing meals complement because of its wealthy micro- and macronutrient contents. The frame of Spirulina is smooth and with vulnerable mobileular wall that makes it effortlessly digestible. It is a precious supply of proteins, vitamins, minerals, β-carotene, fatty acids, etc. which makes it best as meals and fodder. NASA has said that the dietary cost of one thousand kg of fruits and veggies equals to at least one kg of Spirulina. In 1992 WHO has declared Spirulina as “Best meals for future” to redress malnutrition specifically in children. Apart from being a meals complement, Spirulina has won sizeable reputation and paramount significance because of the presence of sure pigments and secondary metabolites. It suggests pharmacognosic homes like immuno-protective, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-obesity, etc. it's far the maximum nutritionally concentrated compact entire meals recognized which owe a capacity to significantly lower the probabilities of growing cancer, coronary heart disease, or stroke or of contracting a lifethreatening virus along with HIV and save you eyes from cataract formation. In the present study, spirulina enriched food dhokla (SBDF) was developed. SBDF accept overall acceptability by panelist such as color and appearance, aroma/odour, flavor and taste, body and texture. SBDF showed good amount of protein (10.48%), and iron (30.48%) as compared to control. Afterward, the developed SDFB exhibited good amount of antioxidants content (38.62%) and moisture conent (14.56%), respectively. SBDF can be most attractive and nutritious food for every people due to rich source of protein and iron. This novel food can solve diseases/problems related with protein and iron deficiency.

Association of Characters for Higher Tuber Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes Grown in Eastern Plains of Nepal

An experiment was conducted to study characters associated with higher yield potential of potato genotypes at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Tarahara, Nepal during two consecutive winter seasons of 2018 and 2019. A total of eleven potato genotypes (CIP 394600.52, CIP 396012.266, CIP 393371.159, PRP 266265.15, CIP 395443.103, CIP 393371.164, PRP 336769.1, PRP 136368.9, PRP 25861.11, CIP 377957.5 and PRP 225861.5) were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Each treatment received a 7.2 m2 plot area with 60 cm row to row and 25 cm plant to plant spacing, accommodating 48 plants per plot. Cultural practices were done as per the recommendations and fungicide was not applied for late blight of potato (Phytophthora infestans) control. The observed data were subjected to variance, correlation and cluster analysis. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for some plant and tuber characteristics. From the pooled analysis of two years’ data, the genotype 'PRP 266265.15' was found to be a suitable genotype in plains due to its higher yield (21.91 t/ha) and other yield characteristics. The higher quantity of over seed-size and under seed-size tuber contributed to the highest tuber yield of PRP 266265.15. The weight (r = 0.928**) and number (r = 0.483**) of the over seed-size tuber had a positive significant correlation with tuber yield per hectare. Further research is needed to study yield stability of the genotype 'PRP 266265.15' in various locations with similar production environments.

Distribution of Bacterial Disease in the Main Mango Production Areas of Côte d'Ivoire

Bacterial disease is a major biotic constraints of mango production in Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of this study is to assess the distribution of mango bacteriosis disease in mango production areas in northern Côte d'Ivoire. This study focused on 720 mango trees, of the Kent variety, spread over 20 orchards. These orchards are located in the Bagoué, Tchologo and Poro regions in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The study consisted of determining the incidence and severity of bacterial disease on the leaves and fruits of mango trees. Data on the incidence and severity index of bacterial disease on leaves and fruits were subjected to descriptive analysis followed by PCA. Then, the ascending hierarchical classification (CAH) and multivariate analysis completed the data analysis. The results obtained did not reveal any dissimilarity of the presence of the bacterial disease in the three (3) regions studied. On the other hand, a predominance of the severe or major type of bacterial disease over the level of slight or marginal contamination has been demonstrated. None of the three main regions (Poro, Tchologo and Bagoué) of mango production in Côte d'Ivoire appears to be the center of bacterial disease dispersion at the current stage of bacterial disease progression. The level of incidence and severity of this disease is similar between fruits and leaves. The Principal Component Analysis and the Ascending Hierachical Classification completed by the MANOVA made it possible to structure the mango orchards into three (3) homogeneous groups. Group 2 orchards (VB4, VB8, VB7 and VF2) presented a moderate level of incidence and severity on leaves and fruits.

Single Stem Rouging of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Infected Plants for Orchard Rehabilitation

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm), a devastating disease, causes up to 100% loss and affects all banana varieties. The disease is widespread in East and Central Africa region. Study objective was to evaluate the performance of single stem rouging options for rehabilitation of severely affected banana orchard. Five single stem rouging options were implemented in banana orchard with 80% BXW severity in Western Kenya. The options included rouging of infected banana plants; uprooting, cutting at the base, injecting 20 ml of glyphosate herbicide at the soil base of the pseudostem, uprooting the whole stool and control leaving the infected stools. Initial visual assesment before implementation of the orchard was over 80% infection. Later samples were collected for diagnosis of ten plants per treatment from different plant parts and were subjected to ELISA and PCR procedures for confirmion of the presence of Xcm. Rouging options was implemented for one year. During and after experimentation periodic visual assesment of BXW incidence and severity reduced. Results of ELISA assays and PCR results indicated Xanthomonas was present on banana plants. Rouging the infected banana stems by cutting at the base, uprooting and injection of herbicide reduced BXW incidence within six months. Xanthomonas, an inhibiting bacteria cannot surve without host and by killing the banana plant the Xanthomonas dies. Yields were recovered from the rehabilitated orchard within one year. Banana orchard highly infected with BXW was effectively rehabilitated.

Agronomic Performance and Organoleptic Characteristics of Local Varieties of Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas) Cultivated in Mbaiki (Central African Republic)

In the Central African Republic, there are a multitude of local varieties of sweet potato. However, few studies have been carried their agro morphological and organoleptic characteristics. A Fisher random block device was set up on the three local varieties of sweet potato. The growing and production parameters were evaluated as well as the organoleptic characteristics through the food taste test. The parameters of growing and production were assessed by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) with one classification criterion using the R software version 3.1.3. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also performed with the growth and yield parameters in order to highlight the correlations between these different parameters. The variety 1 (V1) produced the plants with the largest diameters (1.30 cm), while the smallest diameters was observed in the variety 2 (V2) with 0.55 cm. There is a significant difference (P-value = 0.0001) between the different varieties according to the ANOVA test. According to the length of the tuber, the V2 produced the longest tuberous root than the others with an average of 28.53 cm. The smallest length is observed in the V3 with an average of 25.12 cm. There is not significant (p-value = 0.216) in relation with the length of the tuber for the cultivated varieties of the sweet potato. The eigenvalues of the two main axes extracted from the Principal Component Analysis explained 53.68% and 16.82% of the matrix growth/ yield information. Along the factor axes, apart from parameters such as tuber diameters and length which are not positively correlated, there is little variability between the other parameters which are strongly correlated.

Effect of Organic Fertilizer on Tomato Growth and Production under Soil-less System

Soil-less system constitutes an efficient approach for the cultivation of tomato; however, organic liquid amendments are very limited under such systems. The current experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of Kurojiru (K), an organic liquid fertilizer and fulvic acid (FA) on the growth and production of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. ‘Momotaro’. Recently, it is desirable to reduce the environmental impact and fertilizer cost by lowering the concentration of inorganic components in the culture medium. Therefore, we explored the effect of adding these organic fertilizers on the yield and quality of tomatoes by gradually reducing the phosphoric acid concentration in the culture medium (87, 58 and 29 mmol・pot-1・week-1). The whole experiment was conducted for 20 weeks (from seeding until harvesting). The plant biomass, tomato fruit weight and chlorophyll content were measured. The fresh weight (FW) of both root and shoot indicated a progress response according to phosphorus concentration in liquid media, in FA treatments. Total fresh weight was significantly higher in the treatment with K+FA than in the control. Additionally, the yield responded to the all treatments within the 58 mmol P. Especially, in this level of P the relative fruit weight was higher only under K application. The chlorophyll content responded K+FA treatment under a low P content (29 mmol), and to all of those in 58 mmol. These results indicate that Kurojiru has some positive effects on tomato growth in soil-less systems.